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Monday, October 8, 2012

Ask the Missionaries

Dear... EVERYONE.

Exchanges happened. I'm now with Elder Aaron Bigelow from
Blackfoot Idaho. My suspicions from last week were correct, so yes, he
is the missionary I described who got hit by a car and was out of the
mission for 10 months (instead of the 9 I mentioned).

So let's get this elephant out of the room. Conference.
Missionaries may now come out at younger ages. That's awesome, and I
can't wait for this new wave to come through. I can see both pros and
cons to the situation, but more pros. Great conference, though. You can
imagine what one of my favorites was: "ASK THE MISSIONARIES!"

As I write, I look back on the past couple of weeks, and notice a
miracle has taken place. Elder Mortensen and I were going through the
branch roster two weekends ago. There was a name I didn't recognize. We went to visit this man, he
opened the door, we introduced ourselves and asked if we could come by
and visiti him and get to know him some time. He told us that he had
only sat through Sacrament meetings, but that he was still coming pretty
often. I felt pretty bad about not knowing him, but nonetheless, he
allowed us to come back and see him the next week.

So fast forward to this last Thursday. We met with him, got to know
his situation and his career. He had lived a very good gospel-oreinted
life until a divorce and some bad decisions. He
really opened up to us, desperately seeking a spiritual light in his
life to guide him back to church. That's honestly the first time I had seen something
like that.

This man who had once had the gospel in his life cast it
aside for a time -- that's pretty common. But this sudden realization
that something that was once there is missing, and wanting it back, that
was a tender moment for me. There's no doubt in my mind this man is
sincere about his decision to make his life better and receive the full
blessings of the gospel. He's been wandering back to the path alone for
too long, so God had us step in to finally take his hands and show him
the way.

Another wonderful part of this relationship is that the man has
found many friends outside of the church that he shares the gospel with.
We left him with a Book of Mormon last night that he can place at work.
He loves this church, knows it's true, and isn't afraid to let others
know. We're excited fror him.

Well, this week I hit ONE YEAR since I became a missionary. I could
write pages and pages of what I've learned and how I've changed and all
those good things here, but I will save them for my journal.

All I want you to know is that I am not the
same I was before. I'm spiritually stronger. More spiritually
intelligent. More spiritually-aware. In all, my spirit, which only lived
inside my body before, now commands my body, and I have a desire to
strengthen it and keep it lively always. That is the biggest change I've
seen in myself this past year. Not only that but I know how I can
receive knowledge from God. Many hidden and obscure truths have come to
light as I've climbed over trials and tribulations, and my understanding
of the Atonement has increased in depth and love.

My favorite one-liner from conference came from Elder Holland: "The
crowning characterisitc of Love is Loyalty." That's something we can
all apply, not only to God, but to the people around us; including
ourselves. I'm reminded of the scripture in the Doctrine and Covenants
that says that your joy will be full if you bring one soul to Christ. I
find joy in bringing my own soul to Him. As for more souls, which will
only bring more joy -- I'm working to find and teach them.

I'll end with a quote I got from Elder Levi Stannard. He said
something to the affect of, "Share what you know, and eventually others
will know that you know it!" His play on words and other things was more
fantastic, but you get the idea. I know this gospel, this church, this
priesthood and the Book of Mormon are true, otherwise I wouldn't have
the incredible friends and family I have today. I love ya guys. Thanks
for all the letters, packages, prayers and pumpkin bread. :3